Year 1857 (MDCCCLVII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar).

Events of 1857

January - June

January 1 - The biggest Estonian newspaper Postimees is established by Johann Voldemar Jannsen.

January 9 - An earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9 strikes near Parkfield, California; see Fort Tejon earthquake.

February 3 - The National Deaf Mute College (later renamed Gallaudet University) is established in Washington, DC, becoming the first school for the advanced education of the deaf.